Dr. Baron Lonner is an a best in class lumbar and cervical herniated disc orthopedic spine specialists with offices in NYC (Manhattan) and Long Island (Great Neck).
A herniated disc occurs when one of the cushions between the bones of the spine develops a tear or weakness, allowing the inner disc material to protrude and irritate nearby nerves. Disc herniations most commonly occur in the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back) and can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty with everyday activities.
At Scoliosis & Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner provides expert evaluation and treatment for patients with cervical and lumbar disc disorders, including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, nerve compression, and complex spinal conditions.
Dr. Baron Lonner is considered one of the best scoliosis surgeons in NYC, a leading orthopedic spine surgeon in New York, and a trusted spine specialist serving Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, and the surrounding New York metropolitan area, Dr. Lonner creates individualized treatment plans focused on relieving pain, restoring function, and helping patients return to an active lifestyle.
Excellent Dr. Lonner
He is very careful. He discussed with me everything . His PA also very good
Dr. Lonner is very smart, honest and excellent doctor. I gave him rate 5/5
I recommended everyone go to Dr. Lonner if they (or their child) have scoliosis.
If you or your child has scoliosis he can and will fix you! ~ Google
The spine is made up of vertebrae separated by flexible discs that act as shock absorbers and allow movement. Each disc has a tough outer layer and a softer inner center.
A disc herniation occurs when:
- The outer disc wall develops a tear
- The inner disc material pushes outward
- The displaced material irritates or compresses nearby nerves
Depending on the location of the herniation, symptoms may occur in the neck, arms, lower back, buttocks, or legs.
Cervical Disc Herniation (Neck Disc Herniation)
A cervical disc herniation occurs in the discs of the neck. Because the cervical spine contains important nerves that travel into the shoulders, arms, and hands, a herniated disc in this area can cause symptoms beyond neck pain.
Common Symptoms of Cervical Disc Herniation
Patients may experience:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Arm pain
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or fingers
- Weakness in the arm or hand
- Difficulty with fine motor movements
- Headaches related to neck strain
In more advanced cases, a cervical disc herniation may place pressure on the spinal cord and contribute to balance problems, coordination difficulties, or other neurological symptoms.
Lumbar Disc Herniation (Lower Back Disc Herniation)
A lumbar disc herniation affects the lower portion of the spine and is one of the most common causes of sciatica—pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock and leg.
Common Symptoms of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Symptoms may include:
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica
- Leg pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Foot weakness
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
Many patients describe leg pain as burning, electric, or shooting because the herniated disc is irritating a spinal nerve.
Causes and Risk Factors for Disc Herniation
Disc herniation may develop due to:
- Normal aging and disc degeneration
- Repetitive stress on the spine
- Heavy lifting
- Improper lifting technique
- Sports injuries
- Trauma
- Genetic factors affecting disc health
As discs lose water content and flexibility over time, they become more vulnerable to tears and injury.
Diagnosing Cervical and Lumbar Disc Herniation
Accurate diagnosis is essential because symptoms from a herniated disc can overlap with other spinal conditions.
Your evaluation may include:
Medical History
We review:
- Location and severity of pain
- Duration of symptoms
- Previous treatments
- Activity limitations
- Neurological symptoms
- Physical Examination
Evaluation includes:
- Muscle strength
- Reflexes
- Sensation
- Range of motion
- Walking pattern
- Nerve tension testing
- Advanced Imaging
Diagnostic studies may include:
- MRI scans
- X-rays
- CT scans when appropriate
MRI is commonly used because it provides detailed images of discs, nerves, and spinal structures.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Many patients improve without surgery.
Treatment options may include:
Physical Therapy
A customized rehabilitation program can help improve:
- Core strength
- Flexibility
- Posture
- Spinal stability
- Mobility
- Medications
Depending on symptoms, treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Nerve pain medications
- Epidural Steroid Injections
For patients with nerve irritation, targeted spinal injections may reduce inflammation and provide temporary symptom relief.
Activity Modification
Patients may benefit from:
- Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms
- Maintaining healthy movement
- Improving posture
- Gradually returning to exercise
- When Is Disc Surgery Recommended?
Surgery may be considered when:
- Pain does not improve with conservative treatment
- Progressive weakness develops
- Significant nerve compression is present
- Symptoms interfere with quality of life
- Emergency neurological symptoms occur
The goal of surgery is to remove pressure from the affected nerve while preserving as much normal spinal function as possible.
Advanced Herniated Disc Surgery in New York
Dr. Baron Lonner specializes in advanced spine procedures designed to treat nerve compression and restore function.
Depending on the patient’s condition, surgical options may include:
Cervical Discectomy and Spine Fusion
This procedure removes the damaged disc and stabilizes the affected spinal level when necessary.
Lumbar Microdiscectomy
A minimally invasive procedure that removes the portion of the disc pressing on a nerve, often used for patients with persistent sciatica.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
When appropriate, minimally invasive techniques may help reduce:
- Muscle disruption
- Blood loss
- Recovery time
- Postoperative discomfort
Why Choose Dr. Baron Lonner?
Patients throughout Manhattan, Great Neck, Long Island, NYC, Westchester, New Jersey, and The World seek Dr. Lonner for his expertise in complex spine care.
Our practice offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon
- Internationally recognized scoliosis and spine specialist
- Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Expertise in cervical and lumbar spinal disorders
- Advanced minimally invasive spine techniques
- Comprehensive evaluation of both simple and complex conditions
- Personalized treatment plans focused on long-term outcomes
- Thousands of surgeries performed
If you are searching for the best orthopedic spine surgeon in New York, a herniated disc specialist in Manhattan, or a lumbar disc specialist serving Great Neck and Long Island, Scoliosis & Spine Associates Associates provides expert care tailored to your specific spinal condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
Yes. Many patients improve with physical therapy, medications, injections, and activity modification. Surgery is reserved for patients with persistent symptoms or significant nerve problems.
What is the difference between a cervical and lumbar disc herniation?
A cervical disc herniation occurs in the neck and may cause arm symptoms, while a lumbar disc herniation occurs in the lower back and often causes sciatica or leg symptoms.
When should I see a spine specialist?
You should seek evaluation if you experience persistent pain, weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, or symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
Schedule a Consultation with a Leading Spine Specialist in NYC & Great Neck, Long Island
If you are suffering from neck pain, back pain, sciatica, arm symptoms, or nerve-related problems caused by a herniated disc, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment.
At Scoliosis & Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner provides expert, personalized care for pediatric and adult scoliosis, spinal deformities, back pain, neck pain, and complex spine conditions. Serving patients throughout NYC, Manhattan, and Great Neck, Long Island, and the world, our practice is dedicated to advanced treatment and the highest standards of safety and care.
Patients seeking an experienced scoliosis surgeon in NYC, Manhattan, or Great Neck, Long Island can turn to Dr. Lonner for individualized treatment and advanced surgical expertise. Contact Scoliosis & Spine Associates today to schedule a consultation.
Scoliosis & Spine Associates
Baron Lonner, MD
1155 Park Ave, #1
New York, NY 10128
646-499-3715
Scoliosis & Spine Associates of Long Island
Baron Lonner, MD
833 Northern Boulevard, Suite 229
Great Neck, NY 11021
516-814-9399
